Let's end the pro/con RS-232 versus USB thread now before it takes on a life of its own ;-) As noted by others, there are many prior threads that you can search on for this discussion.
The short answer for the XG3 is that it only uses a simple command set that does not require any USB specific functions. There is no operational advantage for USB versus RS-232 on the XG3. We support both RS-232 and USB on all of our products for control via our RS232 and USB cables. Many hams use legacy computers that only have RS232, so that is the lowest required denominator for comm support. Also note, we -do- have cables for the XG3 (and KX3, W2 and W1) that connect directly from their comm port to USB. The part number is KXUSB. Its not on our order form yet, but will be next week. (It is included by default with the KX3.) [Thread Closed] 73, Eric List Moderator, among other duties.. www.elecraft.com _..._ On May 12, 2012, at 7:42 AM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <li...@subich.com> wrote: > > On 5/12/2012 9:17 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote: >> I would have thought that a USB port would have advantages so far as >> space and weight, maybe even power consumption, in a battery powered >> miniature device. > > Not so ... many microprocessor controllers contain one or two built-in > serial ports. It is far cheaper to adapt those TTL (or 3.3V) ports to > RS-232 "compatible" operation (typically a single line driver) than to > install a USB UART and deal with drivers for a multitude of operating > systems. > > The low power line drivers consume less power, need fewer parts (no > crystal), can be smaller than the USB UART and are likely to be more > reliable. > > If you *want* USB interface to the XG-3 pick up one of the USB "scanner > programming cables" - typically USB to RS_232 compatible 3.5mm stereo > plug. I believe Elecraft have such a cable as the KXUSB (standard for > the KX3) ... I don't know if they list it separately as a spare. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 5/12/2012 9:17 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote: >> Not exactly comparable to the XG-3, perhaps. I would have thought that >> a USB port would have advantages so far as space and weight, maybe even >> power consumption, in a battery powered miniature device. For those >> using old computers, USB port cards for the PCI bus are absolutely dirt >> cheap. >> >> 73, Pete N4ZR >> The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com >> The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at >> reversebeacon.blogspot.com, >> spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 and >> arcluster.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 >> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
